Letter from an Editor | September 12, 2020

Dear John,

So often the Supreme Court is overlooked in discussions of politics, and lower courts across the country even more so. But our courts have such a fundamental and significant impact on our daily lives—and will for decades to come. From healthcare and abortion, to voting rights and immigration, to racial justice and the climate crisis, to gun violence – and so much more.

In the last four years, Trump has already appointed two Supreme Court Justices and more than 200 judges to lifetime appointments on federal district and circuit courts. As Rafael Medina of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights wrote for Ms. this week, Trump’s shortlist of future appointments—to which he added 20 names on Wednesday—is filled with far-right ideologues and bigots. He writes, “Many have led the way in reversing progress on our civil and human rights—having defended some of the most extreme voting rights restrictions, advocated for the courts to declare the Affordable Care Act unconstitutional, attacked LGBTQ people’s dignity and rights, and so much more.” You can find Medina’s full article below.

I urge you to take 10 minutes right now to register to vote or check your voter registration to make sure you’ve listed your current address. Encourage others to register. Request a mail-in ballot today. With mail delivery disrupted and delayed because of changes to the U.S. Postal Service by the Trump administration, don’t depend on the mail to submit your ballot. If you can, plan to return your ballot in person to a designated ballot drop box or if your state allows, return it during early in-person voting or on Election Day. And make a back-up plan to vote in person if your mail ballot doesn’t reach you in time.

You can do even more to ensure our elections system functions and is free from interference or intimidation. Become an Election Day poll worker (almost all states pay poll workers). Or join a voter protection program. The future of our courts is just one of so many critically important issues at stake this fall. If you have not already, now is the time to ensure your voting plan is in place and that you are ready to make sure your voice is heard.
Another important action step to take today: in our upcoming, expanded Fall issue, we examine how the ongoing battle over voting rights will have an impact on the country’s ability to hold fair elections during a pandemic, as well as on the difference women will make as voters and candidates, and we give a run-down on important state ballot measures. If you become a Ms . Member right now you’ll get our expanded issue delivered straight to your mailbox in time for Election Day—and you’ll be informed and ready to fight back. [[link removed]]

For equality, Kathy Spillar
Executive Editor

This Week's Must-Reads from Ms .

The Supreme Court Belongs to Us—Not Trump [[link removed]]

Georgia Wrongfully Purged 200K Voters—With Focus on Black Voters, ACLU Report Finds [[link removed]]

On The Issues with Michele Goodwin , Episode 6: Has The U.S. Forgotten Its Immigrant Roots? [[link removed]]

Cooperate on Climate Now or We’re Doomed, UN Secretary-General Warns [[link removed]]

We Heart: What Has Trump Done for Women? Amber Ruffin Breaks It Down [[link removed]]

What’s at Stake: LGBTQ Civil Rights [[link removed]]

Representation Roundup: Women Spend $3,756 a Year on Beauty. It’s Time to Normalize Looking Natural. [[link removed]]
Our friend, Cynthia Terrell, founder and executive director of RepresentWomen, is back with another installment of her weekly column, rounding up some of her favorite stories about women’s representation in the news this week.



Ms. Magazine
1600 Wilson Boulevard
Suite 801
Arlington, VA 22209

If you believe you received this message in error or wish to no longer receive email from us, please unsubscribe: [link removed] .